Alabama vs. Ole Miss game preview, prediction

What to watch for as Ole Miss visits Alabama in this Week 4 college football game along with our final predictions for the SEC West clash

It's not often the Crimson Tide is facing a must-win situation in the Nick Saban era, but that could be the case this weekend as No. 13 Alabama welcomes No. 15 Ole Miss in a battle of SEC West rivals in college football's Week 4 action on Saturday.

Alabama sits at 2-1 with a 10-point loss to Texas at home and coming off a puzzling, sloppy win against USF a week ago, facing structural questions on the offensive line and at the quarterback position, as Jalen Milroe is set to step back in under center after an uninspiring performance from Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson last week.

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Ole Miss is 3-0 with wins over Mercer, Tulane, and Georgia Tech and boasting a potent offensive attack that, while it hasn't run the ball to head coach Lane Kiffin's satisfaction despite returning back Quinshon Judkins, still features Jaxson Dart under center, the nation's 7th most efficient quarterback and has scored 100 second-half points.

What can we expect from the matchup? Here's what you need to know as Ole Miss and Alabama square off, along with our Week 4 game predictions.

Ole Miss vs. Alabama preview, prediction

Alabama vs. Ole Miss predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Time: 2:30 p.m. Central
TV: CBS network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Alabama vs. Ole Miss game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Alabama -6.5 (Track it)
Total: 55.5 points
Moneyline: Bama -250 | Rebs +188
FPI pick: Alabama 66% to win

What to watch for

Ole Miss takes on Alabama in Week 4 / USA Today Images

1. Rebs against Bama's blockers. This should be the battle that eventually wins or loses the game for either side. Alabama's pass protection is the talk of the sport, and not for any good reasons. Put together, the offensive line has the worst sack rate per game among all Power Five teams, an astonishing development for a Saban team. Conversely, the Rebels have recorded 10 total sacks through three games. But sacks aren't the only problem. Ole Miss can generate consistent pressure from the edges, where it will have to contain Jalen Milroe's improvised running plays.

2. Stopping the run. Ole Miss' run game has been a mixed bag, at times struggling to open lanes for lead tailback Quinshon Judkins, then also getting chunk plays from Dart, who leads the team with 213 yards. In total, the Rebels run for 5.1 ypc and have 9 TDs, including four from Judkins, who is coming off a lingering injury but still has the power to snake through lanes on the inside and get yards after contact.

3. Turnover battle. Alabama has forced just four turnovers through the first three games this year, posting an average of 1.3 TOs forced each time out. And against Texas, the Tide didn't force any takeaways while handing it over twice. Ole Miss has intercepted two passes and recovered three forced fumbles and is top 35 nationally in turnover margin. Whoever wins the turnover battle could win the game.

Ole Miss vs. Alabama prediction

Don't be surprised if this is the year Lane Kiffin finally gets Saban. Alabama's weaknesses on offense happen to correlate well with Ole Miss' strengths on defense, plus the Rebels are starting to inch towards getting their skill players healthy, and could be said to have the advantage at quarterback.

Milroe will have another shaky passing effort, maybe hitting under 6 in 10 of his throws, and there will be that questionable turnover that gives Ole Miss points. But his mobility creates an X-factor that, combined with some capable receivers who can get yards after the catch, and Alabama's perceived strength in the front seven against a Rebs offense that hasn't run the ball well, should be enough to hold on.

College Football HQ predicts...

• Alabama wins 29-22
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

More: Ole Miss vs. Alabama score prediction by college football computer model

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